Plant growing system containing a super amount of a controlled-relleased fertilizer and methods of using the same

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a plant growing system having (a) plant life; (b) a super amount of a controlled-release fertilizer to provide season-long performance; and (c) growing media. The planting growing system may also include a moisture control agent or a plant protection agent. Despite the high EC values of the growing system, the combination of materials that make up the growing system nevertheless produces superior performing plants with darker green, healthier-looking leaves; superior growth, fill and spread; more abundant production of flowers and fruits; and a more developed, sustaining root system. Moreover, these plants are far less susceptible to the effects of pests such as fungi (e.g.,  Fusarium  and  Rhizoctonia ), pythium, caterpillars, thrips, whiteflies, and other pests.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.61/625,992, filed Apr. 18, 2012.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to plant growing systems that include plant life,a super amount of a controlled-release fertilizer to provide season-longperformance (e.g., in the field, patio or hanging baskets), and growingmedia (e.g., soilless growing media). Methods of using the plant growingsystems are also provided.

DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

Controlled-release fertilizers (CRF) are well known in the art. Thesefertilizers are coated with materials that release nutrients (e.g.,nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) into soil or media for a plant'sbenefit over time. For example, Osmocote® Plus is a CRF that releasesnutrients over 3 to 14 month periods depending on factors including theamount of coating and prill size.

Plants vary in their fertility requirements for achieving optimalgrowth. Indeed, plants may be characterized as light feeders (e.g.,Begonias, Impatiens), medium feeders (e.g., Petunias, Geraniums), orheavy feeders (e.g., Poinsettias). Each class of feeders may toleratevarying, levels of salt, measured as electrical conductivity (EC): lightfeeders (EC ˜0.76 to 2 mS/cm), medium feeders (EC ˜1.5 to 3.0 mS/cm),and heavy feeders (EC ˜2.0 to 3.5 mS/cm) using the saturated mediaextract (SME) procedure. See Cavins et al., “Monitoring and Managing pHand EC Using the PourThru Extraction Method,” Horticulture InformationLeaflet 590, July, 2000.

High EC is detrimental to plants and is associated with poor shoot androot growth. For example, an EC greater than 6.0 (using the SMEprocedure) or greater than 7.8 (using the PourThru extraction procedure)will result in salt injury to most crops. Some studies using thePourThru extraction procedure have shown that an EC above 4.7 is highand may damage sensitive plants; above 6.6 is very high with potentialdamage to most plants, and above 7.8 is extreme with most crops damaged.See, e.g., John M. Dole and James L. Gibson, Cutting Propagation 85(Table 7.1) (Ball Publishing 2006); see also D. D. Warncke and D. M.Krauskopf, Extension Bulletin B-1736 (1983). A high EC may be caused byapplying a greater amount of fertilizer than is required by the plant.Accordingly, one method of reducing EC is to reduce the fertilizationrate by providing less fertilizer. See Cavins et al., supra.

A recent study reviewed the effects of CRF on nutrient leaching. SeeAndiru, G., “Effects of Controlled-Released Fertilizer on NutrientLeaching and Garden Performance of Impatiens walleriana (Hook. F.,“Extreme Scarlet,” Masters Thesis, The Ohio State University, 2010). Thereport found, among other things, that low to medium CRF applicationrates (3.4-6.8 kg/m³; 2.5-5 g/container) produced commerciallyacceptable plant quality, whereas a higher CRF application rate (13.6kg/m³; 10 g/container) resulted in smaller canopy cover than thecontrol. Moreover, “if high fertilizer rates were used, high initialrelease might not favor growth of young plants.” See Andiru, supra.Accordingly, the study confirms that high fertility loads should beavoided for obtaining superior performing plants.

SUMMARY OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The embodiments of the invention relate to a plant growing systemhaving, among other things, a fertility load that would not have beenexpected to produce superior plants. In particular, the inventionincludes plant life, a super amount of a controlled-release fertilizer(CRF) to provide season-long performance (e.g., in the field, patio orhanging baskets), and growing media. A moisture control agent and/or aplant protection agent may also be included. The growing systemaccording to the embodiments of the present invention has high EC valuesbecause of the high fertility load. For that reason, the inventors havesurprisingly found that, despite the high EC values of the growingsystem, the combination of materials that make up the growing systemnevertheless produces superior performing plants with darker green,healthier-looking leaves; superior growth, fill and spread; moreabundant production of flowers and fruits; and a more developed,sustaining root system. Moreover, these plants are far less susceptibleto the effects of pests such as fungi (e.g., Fusarium and Rhizoctonia),pythium, caterpillars, thrips, whiteflies, and other pests.

In one embodiment, the invention relates to a plant growing systemcomprising (a) plant life; (b) a super amount of a controlled-releasefertilizer to provide season-long performance; and (c) growing media. Inother embodiments, a moisture control agent and/or a plant protectionagent are included.

In another embodiment, the invention relates to a high EC plant growingsystem comprising (a) plant life; (b) a super amount of acontrolled-release fertilizer; and (c) growing media; wherein the superamount of a controlled-release fertilizer promotes the high EC in theplant growing system. In other embodiments, a moisture control agentand/or a plant protection agent are included.

In yet another embodiment, the invention relates to a method forpromoting season-long performance comprising planting the growing systemdescribed herein and enhancing drought tolerance by incorporating amoisture control agent.

In yet another embodiment, the invention relates to a method ofincreasing drought resistance comprising planting the growing systemdescribed herein and watering the plant growing system.

In yet another embodiment, the invention relates to a method ofincreasing drought resistance comprising planting the growing systemdescribed herein and enhancing garden performance by incorporating apest control agent.

In still another embodiment, the invention relates to a method ofgrowing plants in a high EC environment, where the method comprisesplanting plant life in a container comprising growing media and amaterial comprising a super amount of a controlled-release fertilizer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a photograph of five geranium plants grown using fourdifferent fertility treatments, where the left-most plant did notreceive any fertility treatment.

FIG. 2 is a photograph of four impatiens plants grown using fourdifferent fertility treatments.

FIG. 3 is a photograph of four petunia plants grown using four differentfertility treatments.

FIG. 4 is a photograph of four marigold plants grown using fourdifferent fertility treatments.

FIG. 5 is a photograph of four vinca plants grown using four differentfertility treatments.

FIG. 6 is a graph of experiments where various moisture control agentswere used and the percent wilt was measured after an 11-day dry-downperiod.

FIG. 7 is a graph of experiments where various moisture control agentswere used and the visual quality at wilt was measured after an 11-daydry-down period.

FIG. 8 is a picture of impatiens (upper rows) and verbena (lower rows)plants grown in media containing various moisture control agents.

FIG. 9 shows pictures of petunia plants grown in the presence andabsence of plant protection agents.

FIG. 10 shows pictures of petunia plants grown using four differentfertility treatments.

FIG. 11 shows pictures of impatiens plants grown using two differentfertility treatments.

FIG. 12 is a graph of a drought stress study with impatiens using fivedifferent fertility treatments.

FIG. 13 is a graph of a drought stress study with impatiens thatincorporates moisture control agents.

FIG. 14 is a graph showing relative nitrogen amounts and EC values ofvarious fertility formulas.

FIG. 15 is a picture comparing the results of germanium plants grown ina hanging basket.

FIG. 16 is a graph showing the number of flowers grown in a hangingbasket.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Live plants are produced by growers and sold by retailers for consumeruse. The goal of the grower and retailer is to obtain a salable plant ina highly cost competitive market. However, many plants on the marketlack the additional investments of fertilization, pest protection ormoisture mediation. What results are inferior plants that will notexhibit season-long garden performance.

Additionally, current practices and research advise against supplyinghigh amounts of fertilizer. Indeed, negative effects have been observedon post-production performance when high levels of fertilizer are used.See Nell, T. A., et al., Hart. Science 24: 996-998 (1989). As such, to“harden” or “tone” plants for shipping and the retail environment,growers will stop fertilization 1-2 weeks prior to shipment. See Nell,supra. This is done to avoid the negative impact (excess growth andstretching) of high EC fertility on plant development and quality, aswell as the impact to their budget and the environment. (Conover C. A.,Poole R. T., and Steinkamp K. Using the Pour Through Nutrient ExtractionProcedure Production Regimes: Optimum Fertilizer Rates and AssociatedLeachate electrical Conductivity Levels of Twelve Foliage Plants.(http://mrec.ifas.ufl.edu/foliage/resrpts/rh_(—)92_(—)24.htm).

The inventors have developed a system that is counterintuitive toaccepted precepts regarding high fertility and ECs and its impact onplant performance during production and dramatically so through thegardening season. In particular, the invention relates to a plantgrowing system that includes plant life (e.g., plant in small, medium orlarge plug format; plant cutting, young plant or seed), a super amountof a controlled-release fertilizer (CRF) to provide season-longperformance (e.g., in the patio and field), and growing media. Amoisture control agent and/or plant protection agent may also beincluded. The super amounts of CRF used in the invention far exceed thelevels of fertilizer previously used. Indeed, the fertility loads usedherein, although resulting in high EC, unexpectedly did notdetrimentally affect plants, but rather led to superior growth andperformance (e.g., in the patio and field) compared to applying standardfertility loads (e.g., applied via constant liquid feed programs thattypically contain 150-200 ppm of nitrogen in a complete N-P-K fertilizerwith or without minor elements). Accordingly, contrary to conventionalwisdom in the art, the inventors surprisingly determined that, amongother things, high fertility loads could be used to obtain superiorplants at the end of greenhouse/finish production, as well asseason-long garden and patio settings.

To protect plant health during distribution and for the end user, theinventors demonstrated that the plant growing systems described hereinshowed enhanced moisture management that protects against droughtstress. Protection from drought stress may be further enhanced byincluding moisture control agents.

The inventors also surprisingly found that, when adding a combination ofcontrolled-release fertilizers (e.g., a blend of Osmocote fertilizers),EC was reduced. For example, the inventors showed that the combinationof Osmocote Plus and Osmocote Mini provided a higher fertility load anda lower EC when compared to the controlled-release fertilizers assessedindividually.

The plant growing systems described herein provide an easy andreproducible means for growing plants. The systems include a nutrientsupply that adequately provides for both the production and gardenperformance phases of consumer goods. Indeed, an end user of the plantgrowing systems will not need to invest the time, money, or labor toensure optimal garden performance. For example, the plant growingsystems will typically not require additional fertilization, while alsoproviding protection from pests and drought—considerations commonlyencountered with live plants but not being addressed with plantscurrently being sold. Accordingly, the invention provides an all-in-onegrowing system that eliminates the hassle and inconvenience ofpreviously described systems.

In some embodiments, a high EC environment results from the use of asuper amount of a controlled-release fertilizer in the system of theembodiments of the present invention. Accordingly, some embodiments ofthe present invention relate to a method of growing plants in a high ECenvironment, where the method comprises planting plant life in a pot orcontainer comprising growing media and a material comprising a superamount of a controlled-release fertilizer to provide season-longperformance. In other embodiments, the material further comprises amoisture control agent and/or a plant protection agent.

Other embodiments of the present invention relate to a high EC plantgrowing system comprising (a) plant life; (b) a super amount of acontrolled-release fertilizer to provide season-long performance; and(c) growing media; wherein the super amount of a controlled-releasefertilizer promotes the high EC in the plant growing system. In otherembodiments, the growing system further comprises a moisture controlagent and/or a plant protection agent.

A. DEFINITIONS

As used herein, the term “super amount of a controlled-releasefertilizer” means, in some embodiments, a CRF load greater than 8 kg/m³,e.g., greater than 9 kg/m³; greater than 10 kg/m³; greater than 12kg/m³; greater than 14 kg/m³; greater than 16 kg/m³; greater than 18kg/m³; or greater than 20 kg/m³ with pot sizes greater than 10 cm insize. In some embodiments, “super amount of a controlled-releasefertilizer” means a CRF load of from about 8 to about 24 kg/m³; about 10to about 24 kg/m³; or about 12 to about 24 kg/m³.

In other embodiments, the term “super amount of a controlled-releasefertilizer” means at least 15 to 60 grams of a controlled-releasefertilizer per greater than a 0.8 liter (e.g., greater than 0.9 L,greater than 1 L; greater than 1.25 L; greater than 2 L; or greater than2.25 L) pot or container For example, in some embodiments, the amountsof fertilizer per greater than 0.8 (or 0.9) liter pot or container isfrom about 15 to about 30 grams; from about 12 to about 24 grams; fromabout 10 to about 40 grams; from about 8 to about 32 grams; or fromabout 14 to about 45 grams of CRF (e.g., Osmocote® Plus 5-6 month15-9-12, Osmocote® Plus Hi Start 5-6 month 16-9-12, Osmocote® Mini 3-4month 19-6-10 or combination of Osmocote® Plus and Osmocote® Mini).

In still other embodiments, the term “super amount of acontrolled-release fertilizer” means from about 1.5 gram nitrogen toabout 9 grams nitrogen per greater than 0.8 (or 0.9) liter pot orcontainer, e.g., from about 2 grams nitrogen to about 5 grams nitrogen;from about 2 to about 4 grams nitrogen; from about 2 to about 8 gramsnitrogen; from about 1.5 to about 6 grams nitrogen; of from about 2 toabout 9 grams nitrogen per greater than 0.8 (or 0.9) liter pot orcontainer.

As used herein, the term “high EC” means an EC higher than 7 mS/cm asdetermined via the PourThru method, e.g., higher than 8 mS/cm; higherthan 9 mS/cm; higher than 10 mS/cm; higher than 11 mS/cm; higher than 12mS/cm; higher than 13 mS/cm; higher than 14 mS/cm; or higher than 15mS/cm as determined via the PourThru method. In some embodiments, the ECis from about 7 mS/cm to about 18 mS/cm, e.g., from about 7 to about 12mS/cm; from about 9 to about 18 mS/cm; from about 10 to about 18 mS/cm;from about 12 to about 18 mS/cm; from about 12 to about 16 mS/cm; orfrom about 10 to about 16 mS/cm as determined via the PourThru method.

As used herein, “season-long performance” means plants that maintaingrowth and production for at least 12-16 weeks. In another embodiment,the season-long performance of a plant may generally refer to plantsthat are grown in ground or plants that are grown hanging (e.g., in ahanging basket). The performance of a hanging basket, for example, willgenerally be shorter than that of a plant planted in-ground.Accordingly, “season-long performance” of plants planted and grown inthe ground includes growth and production for at least 10-16 weeks. Inanother embodiment, the season-long performance of plants growing insuspension or hanging includes growth and production for at least 6-14weeks.

B. PLANTS

The plant growing system of the invention may comprise a wide variety ofplant life such as a plant, plant cutting, young plant or seed. Theseplants may generally include, for example, flowers, vegetables, fruits,herbs, grass, trees, or perennial plant parts (e.g., bulbs; tubers;roots; crowns; stems; stolons; tillers; shoots; cuttings, includingun-rooted cuttings, rooted cuttings, and callus cuttings orcallus-generated plantlets; apical meristems etc.). Plant life that maybe used in the plant growing system described herein includes plants,plant cuttings, young plants or seeds from ornamental plants such asgeranium, petunia, impatiens, verbena, dahlia, pansy, vinca, ipomoea,lantana, salvia, snapdragon, scaevola, torenia, lobelia, dipladenia,calibrachoa, asters, agerantum, phlox, penstemon, gaillardia, zinnia,coleus, osteospermum, gerbera, begonia, angelonia, dianthus, calendula,campanula, celosia, portulaca, viola, mums; vegetables such as tomatoes,peppers, broccoli, cucumber, zucchini, raddish, eggplant, cabbage,lettuce, spinach, beet, carrots, spinach, squash, radish, beans, potato,onion; herbs such as basil, rosemary, dill, cilantro, coriander, thyme,oregano, mint; fruits such as, blueberry, blackberry, raspberry,watermelon, apple, cherry, pear, orange, lemon, and pumpkin; turfgrassessuch as bluegrass, St. Augustinegrass, bermudagrass, bentgrass,bahiagrass, centipedegrass, tall fescue, buffalograss, zoysiagrass,ryegrass, fine fescue; and agricultural crops such as corn, sugar cane,wheat, soybean, tobacco, citrus, etc. Without being limited to varietiesenumerated herein, the varieties of ornamental plants of the presentinvention may comprise varieties of the vinca genus, such as CoraCascade Polka Dot, Cora Cascade peach blush, Cora Cascade apricot, Exp.Cora Cascade apricot, Exp. Cora Cascade blush splash, Exp. Cora Cascadeshell pink, Exp. Cora Cascade strawberry, Cora Cascade cherry, Exp. CoraCascade cherry, Cora Cascade magenta, Cora Cascade lilac, Exp. CoraCascade violet, Exp. Nirvana Cascade white, Exp. Nirvana Cascade polkadot, Nirvana Cascade pink blush, Nirvana Cascade® pink splash, NirvanaCascade® burgundy, or Nirvana Cascade lavender eye; plants of the cleomegenus, such as Sparkler F1 blush, Sparkler F1 rose, Sparkler F1 white,Sparkler™ lavender; plants of the helianthus annuus genus, such as Exp.Yellow Dark Ct Indeterminant, or Exp. Yellow Dark Ct Indeterminant;plants of the impatients hawkeri genus Exp. NGI red, Exp. NGI red,Divine scarlet red, Exp. NGI orange, Divine orange bronze leaf, Exp. NGIsalmon, Exp. New Guinea Impatiens salmon, Exp. New Guinea Impatienssalmon, Exp. NGI bicolor orange, Exp. NGI white, Exp. NGI white, Exp.New Guinea Impatiens pink, Divine pink, Exp. NGI violet, Divine violet,Exp. NGI lavender, or Divine lavender; plants of the lantana genus, suchas Exp. Bandana white, Bandana® primrose, Bandana® peach, Bandana® roseupgrade, Exp. Bandana red, Exp. Bandana cherry, Bandana® orange sunrise,Bandana® trailing gold, or Exp. Bandana trailing red; plants of themandevilla hydrida genus Exp. Rio dark pink, Rio pink, Exp. Rio pink,Rio deep red, Exp. Rio red, or Exp. Rio white; plants of the pelargoniuminterspecific genus Calliope exp. It pk, Calliope exp. Coral (bicolor),Exp. Calliope hot rose, Exp. Calliope rose splash, Exp. Calliopeburgundy, Calliope exp. lay, Exp. Calliope lavender rose, Calliope exp.ro, Calliope exp. Scarlet, Calliope Scarlet Fire “Cope Scarfir”, Exp.Calliope hot scarlet, Calliope Dark Red“Ameri Trared”, Exp. Calliopeburgundy, Exp. Calliope violet, Exp. Calliope burgundy, Calliope exp. row/Eye, Exp. Caliente® lavender rose, Caliente Pink “Cante Pinka”,Caliente exp. Dp.Pk, Exp. Caliente® salmon, Caliente Coral “CanteCoras”, Caliente Orange “Cante Oran”, Caliente exp. Vio, Caliente exp.Vio, Caliente exp. ro sp, Exp. Caliente® rose coral, or Caliente exp.pkbl; plants of the pentas lanceolata genus, such as Exp. Trailingwhite, Exp. Trailing white, Exp. Trailing white, Exp. Trailing pinkbicolor, Exp. Trailing pink bicolor, Exp. Trailing deep pink, Exp.Trailing rose, Exp. Trailing rose, Exp. Trailing cherry, or Exp.Trailing red; plants of the petunia pendula genus, such as Plush white,Ramblin′ white, Exp. Ramblin yellow, Plush red, Ramblin′ red, Plushblue, or Ramblin′ nu blue; plants of the rudbeckia genus, such as Tigereye gold F1; plants of the tagetes erecta genus, such as Perfection™yellow, Perfection™ F1 gold, Perfection™ F1 orange, Exp. PerfectionVanilla White, Asian Cut flower, Gold, Asian Cut flower, or Orange,plants of the viola cornuta genus, such as Endurio yellow with violetwing, or Exp.Endurio yellow with violet wing; plants of the violawittrockiana genus, such as Exp Colossus Yellow/Blotch VI042, MammothBlue-ti-ful, Exp. WonderFall White, Exp. WonderFall Yellow, Exp.WonderFall Yellow Blotch, WonderdFall Yellow with Red Wing trailing,Exp. WonderFall Blue Blotch, WonderFall Blue Picotee Shades, Exp.WonderFall Purple; and plants of the zinnia genus, such as ZOWIE!™YELLOW FLAME, Uproar™ Rose, Uproar™ White 1695-1-T1, Uproar™ Deep Yellow1695-17-T1, Uproar™ Orange 1695-8-T1, Uproar™ Scarlet 1695-10-T2.

In one embodiment, the plants have superior genetics such as enhancedyields, aesthetics, and garden performance compared to standard,corresponding plants. These plants may be hybrid plants derived fromparent plants having superior characteristics, or genetically modifiedplants comprising foreign nucleic acid molecules and/or endogenousgenetic elements that confer desirable traits such as enhanced nutritionor health benefits, superior flavor, brighter or novel colors, greateryields, more fragrance, sterility, modified architecture such as morebranching, shorter, taller, deeper rooting, enhanced root branching;attract beneficial pest-control agents; repel undesirable pests;bioremediation; biotic pest tolerance to diseases, nematodes, insects;abiotic stress tolerance such as cold, freezing, heat, drought salt,alkaline.

C. FERTILIZERS AND NUTRIENTS

The plant growing system of the invention comprises a super amount ofcontrolled-release fertilizer (CRF). The CRF may include any coatedfertilizer that comprises nitrogen, phorphorus, potassium, and/ormicronutrients such as magnesium, sulfur, zinc, iron, copper. The CRFnutrient sources may be derived from urea, ammonium nitrate, ammoniumsulfate, diammonium phosphate (DAP), monoammonium phosphate (MAP),calcium phosphate, potassium sulfate, potassium nitrate or combinationsor derivatives thereof; and/or secondary nutrients such as calcium,magnesium, sulfur, micronutrients such as iron, copper, zinc, chloride,silica, manganese, boron, molybdenum or combinations thereof. Thecontrolled-release fertilizer may release nutrients over a four, five,six, seven, eight, nine, ten, 11, 12-14, or 16-18 month time period.

The CRFs may include commercially available products such as Nutricote®;Osmocote®, Osmocote® Plus; Osmocote® Plus Hi Start; Osmocote® Mini;Osmocote® Exact; Harrell's Polyon® in any array of longevities, NPKcontent, and physical form (e.g., NPK+Micronutrients); Osmocote® Pro;Multicote®; Basacote®; Plantacote® NPK, Plantacote® Blends andPlantacote® Pluss; Trikote®; Duration®; ESN®; Nutralene®/isobutyldiurea(IBDU)/Nitroform® (slow release nitrogen sources to provide slow releasenitrogen feeding).

In some embodiments, the invention provides a combination of CRFs (e.g.,a blend of Osmocote fertilizers). The inventors found, contrary toconventional wisdom, that combining CRFs actually reduced rather thanincreased EC. This result is demonstrated in FIG. 14. A plot of the ECversus fertility load (gN/plant) showed that as the amount of singularcontrolled-release fertilizer is increased, the EC also showed anassociated increase (see, e.g., L1a to L1c). However, when thecontrolled-release fertilizers are added in combination (e.g., L2 orL3), an increase in the amount demonstrated higher fertility in gN/plantbut a lower EC. Big Box (“BB”) are generally grown with 3 times per weekof fertigation with 150-200 ppm; R&D Std (“RDS”) plants were grown with3 times per week of fertigation with 150-200 ppm; Leif 1a (“L1a”) 15grams of 5-6 M Osmocote Plus (15-9-12); Leif 1b (“L1b”) 30 grams of 5-6M Osmocote Plus (15-9-12); Leif 1c (“L1c”) 60 grams of 5-6 M OsmocotePlus (15-9-12); Leif 2 (“L2”) 5 grams of 5-6 M Osmocote Plus(15-9-12)+20 grams of 3-4 M Osmocote Mini (19-6-10); Leif 3 (“L3”) 2.5grams of 5-6 M Osmocote Plus (15-9-12)+15 grams of 3-4 M Osmocote Mini(19-6-10); Leif 4 (“L4”) 30 grams of 8-9 M Osmocote Plus (15-9-12).

In other embodiments, the invention provides that the CRF may be in theform of a fertilizer stick, tablet, spike or other delivery form.Examples of commercially available products include, but are not limitedto, Osmocote® Exact Tablets, Jobe's® fertilizer spikes, Miracle-Gro®fertilizer spikes.

D. GROWING MEDIA

The plant growing system of the invention comprises growing media. Thegrowing media may be any growing media such as peat, perlite, wheatstraw, biodigester remains, coir, bark or combinations thereof. In oneembodiment, the growing media primarily comprises peat plus perlite in aratio of 85% peat and 15% perlite. In another embodiment, the media isMetroMix 360 containing formulated Canadian Sphagnum peat moss, coarseperlite, bark ash, starter nutrient charge (with Gypsum) and slowrelease nitrogen and dolomitic limestone. Other organic matter thatcould also be utilized wheat straw, wheat-grain-based media, cornstalks, bark, biodigester remains, coir, peat and peat-like materials,wood residues, bagasse, rice hulls, sand, perlite, vermiculite,calcinated clays, expanded polystyrenes, urea formaldehydes, andmixtures thereof

E. MOISTURE CONTROL AGENTS

The plant growing system of the invention comprises a moisture controlagent. Moisture control agents assist in preventing over- orunder-watering. The moisture control agent includes, but is not limitedto, water-swellable/water-absorbable/water-retentive polymers such ascross-linked polymers that swell without dissolving in the presence ofwater, and may, for example, absorb at least 10, 100, 1000, or moretimes its weight in water. Such polymers include cross-linkedpolyacrylamides or cross-linked polyacrylates; carrageenan, agar,alginic acid, guar gums and its derivatives, and gellan gum; productsresulting from the grafting of acrylonitrile onto starch; and the like.Specific, non-limiting examples of moisture control agents that can beused in the plant growing system of the embodiments of the presentinvention, include Aridall® Superabsorbent Polymer (potassiumpolyacrylate); Aqualon Aquasorb® (sodium carboxymethylcellulose);Stockosorb®; Watersorb®; Zeba®; lignins, alkyl polyglucosides (APGs);and the like and combinations thereof.

F. PLANT PROTECTION AGENT

The plant growing system of the invention comprises a plant protectionagent. The plant protection agent may be acaricides, algicides,antifeedants, avicides, bactericides, bird repellents, chemosterilants,herbicide safeners, insect attractants, insect repellents, insecticides,mammal repellents, mating disruptors, miticides, molluscicides,nematicides, plant activators, plant-growth regulators, rodenticides,synergists, virucides or mixtures thereof. In one embodiment, the plantprotection agent is controlled/timed-release.

The plant protection agents may include commercially available productssuch as Barricade®, Departure®, Fusilade®, Foestyl-AI®, Monument®,Pennant®, Princep®, Refuge®, Reward®, Tenacity®, Banner®, Concert®,Daconil®, Headway®, Heritage®, Hurricane®, Instrata®, Medallion®,Micora®, Palladium®, Renown®, Subdue®, Avid®, Award®, Citation®,Endeavor®, Flagship®, Meridian®, Scimitar®, Bonzi®, Primo®, Trimmit®,Cyantraniliprole (insecticide) or Chlorantraniliprole (insecticide) andthe like or mixtures thereof. In another embodiment, the plantprotection agent is an insecticide such as but not limited to. Inanother embodiment, the plant protection agent is phosphite orFosetyl-Al encapsulated with Osmocote resin using and N-P-K core thatacts as the Osmotic Pump to drive release of the fungicide to controlPythium, Phytophtora, and Downy Mildew.

G. BIODEGRADABLE POT OR CONTAINER

The plant growing system may comprise a biodegradable pot or container.The pot or container may be at least 0.8 L (e.g., greater than 0.9 L,greater than 1 L; greater than 1.25 L; greater than 2 L; or greater than2.25 L). In some embodiments, the pot or container can be from about 0.9L to about 2.25 L, e.g., from about 0.9 L to about 2 L, from about 1 Lto about 2.25 L, from about 1 L to 2 L or from about 1.25 L to about2.25 L.

The biodegradable pot or container provides a protective housing unitfor the components of the plant growing systems described herein (e.g.,plant, super amount of controlled-release fertilizer, etc.). As such,the biodegradable pot or container must be sufficiently rigid and alsobiodegradable to allow for production and shipment to end-users. Thebiodegradable pots also support the sustainable and earthy nature ofgardening by often using renewable resources such as cow manure, woodfibers or peat.

The biodegradable pot or container may comprise a molded material, aformed material, a composted material, a shaped material, orcombinations thereof. For example, the material may be peat, wheatstraw, coconut fiber, manure (e.g., cow, bull, horse), paper pulp, brownor white sugarcane fibers, coir, or combinations thereof, and may bemolded, for example, into an 0.9 liter or larger sized pot or container.

Biodegradable pots are also superior growing containers because of theimpact on root development. Indeed, biodegradable pots permit the rootsto grow through the container enabling quicker and better rootdevelopment into the surrounding soil upon transplanting.

It is understood that pots or containers made of other materials (e.g.,plastic) may also be used with the embodiments described herein.

H. METHODS OF USING THE PLANT GROWING SYSTEM

Methods of using the plant growing systems are contemplated herein. Inone embodiment, the invention provides for a method of growing a plantcomprising planting the plant growing system described herein andwatering said plant growing system. In another embodiment, the inventionprovides for a method of planting comprising pushing the plant growingsystem described herein into a surface, and watering the inserted plantgrowing system. In another embodiment, the method of planting requirespreparing a surface adapted to receive the plant growing systemdescribed herein, where the system leads to superior growth due toenhanced fertility, protection from moisture stress and plant pests suchas insects and diseases. In another embodiment, the invention providesfor a method of growing a plant in an environment having a high EC.

In another embodiment, the invention provides for a method of increasingthe drought resistance of a plant comprising planting the plantutilizing the plant growing system described herein. In anotherembodiment, the plant growing system may further comprise a moisturecontrol agent described herein. For example, the plant growing systemmay include, but not limited to, the moisture controlling agentsdescribed in paragraph [0050] above. In an alternative embodiment, aplanting growing system that further comprises a moisture controllingagent may additionally comprise a plant protection agent. The plantprotecting agent may include, but is not limited to, the plantprotecting agents described in paragraph [0051]-[0052] above.

The following examples are not intended to limit the invention inanyway.

EXAMPLES A. Example 1

The plant growing system of the embodiments of the present inventionpermits the production of healthy, commercial salable plants asdemonstrated below.

Five annual garden plants, namely, Calliope dark red geranium, Accentpremium white impatiens, Ramblin Nu Blu petunia, Moonstruck yellowmarigold, and Cora white vinca were all grown in a plant growing systemcontaining Fafard Growing Mix F-15, 1.5 grams Stockosorb, and fourdifferent fertility treatments. The standard treatment involved addingliquid fertilization (constant liquid feed; no clear water) three timesper week at a rate of 150 ppm nitrogen. The other three treatmentsinvolved the use of 15 grams, 30 grams or 60 grams of 5-6 M OsmocotePlus (15-9-12) controlled-release fertilizer per 1.5 L pot. The plantswere grown as 72 cell-pack plugs in eight replications under standardgreenhouse conditions. The pH, EC, height, growth index, flower count,and overall plant quality were measured as shown below in Tables 1-5 forGeranium, Impatiens, Petunia, Marigold, and Vinca. The pH and EC weremeasured seven and 21 days after planting (DAP), whereas the height,growth index (measured by height+diameter in axis 1+diameter in axis 2divided by 3), flower count, and overall plant quality were eachmeasured five weeks after planting (WAP).

FIG. 1 shows each of the geranium plants, where the left-most plant wasunfertilized; the plant to its right was grown using the standardsystem; and the other plants grown using the 15, 30, and 60 gramtreatments appearing to the right, respectively. FIGS. 2-5 show each ofthe impatiens, petunia, marigold, and vinca plants, respectively, wherethe left-most plant was grown using the standard treatment and theplants grown using the 15, 30, and 60 gram treatments appearing to theright, respectively.

Overall, the data presented in Tables 1-5 demonstrate that superiorperforming plants can be grown in the plant growing system of theembodiments of the present invention even at very high ECs. For example,at 21 days after planting, geraniums grown with the 60 gram fertilitytreatment had an EC of 17.5 mS/cm (PourThru extraction method).Nevertheless, five weeks after planting, the flower count and overallplant quality was higher than plants grown using the standard treatment.

Dramatically, and unexpectedly, geraniums grown with 60 grams of 5-6 MOsmocote Plus demonstrated higher plant quality and bloom count thanplants undergoing standard liquid fertilization in spite of having an ECat 21 days after planting of 17.5 mS/cm (Table 1). Impatiens grown with15 and 30 grams of 5-6 M Osmocote Plus also showed superior orcomparable plant quality to controls, even though the EC value for 30gram Osmocote treatment was 11.2 mS/cm, 21 days after planting (Table2). Superior plant quality was also seen with petunia even plants grownin 60 grams of 5-6 M Osmocote Plus that had an EC value at 21 days afterplanting of 17.5 mS/cm (Table 3). Marigolds grown at 60 grams of 5-6month Osmocote Plus had commercial level plant quality in spite of an ECvalue of 18.2 mS/cm 21 days after planting (Table 4). Plants produced inthe growing system often have such enhanced desirable, horticulturalcharacteristics as dark green leaf color, better lateral branchdevelopment, and a more favorable mounding habit.

TABLE 1 Geranium (numbers in parentheses indicate standard deviation)Plant EC (mS/cm) Height Growth Index Flower Quality pH (Pour thru) (cm)(H + D1 + D2)/3 Count (5 > 1) Treatment 7 DAP 21 DAP 7 DAP 21 DAP 5 WAP5 WAP 5 WAP 5 WAP Standard 5.1 5.6 3.0 2.3 14.4 26.0 1.3 3.3 (0.03)(5.6) (0.3) (0.17) (2.4) (2.6) (0.7) (0.9) 15 grams 5.1 4.9 7.2 7.7 13.522.1 1.3 3.5 (0.03) (0.06) (0.6) (0.97) (1.7) (2.6) (0.5) (0.5) 30 grams5.4 4.7 8.2 9.8 12.6 21.3 1.1 3.8 (0.07) (0.17) (1.5) (2.2) (2.0) (2.0)(0.8) (0.9) 60 grams 5.4 5.0 8.2 17.5 11.4 19.5 1.8 4.3 (0.08) (0.06)(1.5) (2.4) (1.9) (3.1) (0.7) (1.0)

TABLE 2 Impatiens (numbers in parentheses indicate standard deviation)Plant EC (mS/cm) Height Growth Index Flower Quality pH (Pour thru) (cm)(H + D1 + D2)/3 Count (5 > 1) Treatment 7 DAP 21 DAP 7 DAP 21 DAP 5 WAP5 WAP 5 WAP 5 WAP Standard 5.3 6.0 3.5 2.3 11.6 26.4 28.3 3.6 (0.03)(0.05) (0.5) (0.19) (1.2) (1.6) (6.6) (0.7) 15 grams 4.9 5.6 9.4 7.310.6 22.5 19.5 4.0 (0.06) (0.09) (0.4) (1.7) (1.3) (2.5) (7.6) (0.9) 30grams 4.9 5.5 12.1 11.2 10.6 21.7 18.1 3.6 (0.02) (0.05) (0.8) (1.4)(1.4) (2.3) (5.2) (0.9) 60 grams 5.0 5.4 13.8 16.2 8.8 17.4 16.3 2.4(0.06) (0.07) (2.5) (2.1) (1.8) (2.7) (8.4) (0.5)

TABLE 3 Petunia (numbers in parentheses indicate standard deviation)Plant EC (mS/cm) Height Growth Index Flower Quality pH (Pour thru) (cm)(H + D1 + D2)/3 Count (5 > 1) Treatment 7 DAP 21 DAP 7 DAP 21 DAP 5 WAP5 WAP 5 WAP 5 WAP Standard 5.2 6.1 3.2 2.1 24.0 43.5 14.4 2.4 (0.05)(0.05) (0.3) (0.1) (3.6) (5.0) (7.2) (0.7) 15 grams 5.1 6.0 6.8 3.1 21.841.5 13.0 2.5 (0.02) (0.09) (0.7) (0.7) (3.0) (3.2) (4.0) (0.5) 30 grams4.9 5.6 12.7 7.0 20.5 42.8 10.6 3.1 (0.00) (0.11) (0.9) (1.6) (3.2)(5.8) (5.9) (0.8) 60 grams 4.9 5.6 14.2 11.8 21.4 40.0 11.1 2.8 (0.04)(0.14) (1.3) (3.5) (2.1) (4.2) (3.9) (0.7)

TABLE 4 Marigold (numbers in parentheses indicate standard deviation)Plant EC (mS/cm) Height Growth Index Flower Quality pH (Pour thru) (cm)(H + D1 + D2)/3 Count (5 > 1) Treatment 7 DAP 21 DAP 7 DAP 21 DAP 5 WAP5 WAP 5 WAP 5 WAP Standard 6.2 6.4 3.7 3.4 21.4 28.8 1.3 5.0 (0.03)(0.04) (0.4) (0.5) (1.4) (1.4) (1.0) (0.0) 15 grams 6.0 5.5 5.5 8.0 20.929.5 1.3 5.0 (0.05) (0.07) (0.6) (0.7) (2.0) (2.6) (0.9) (0.0) 30 grams6.1 5.5 7.3 11.0 20.0 28.1 1.9 4.9 (0.03) (0.11) (0.7) (0.5) (1.5) (3.3)(1.0) (0.6) 60 grams 5.9 5.5 10.7 18.4 19.0 26.3 1.5 4.4 (0.09) (0.06)(2.3) (2.4) (0.5) (1.6) (0.8) (0.5)

TABLE 5 Vinca (numbers in parentheses indicate standard deviation) PlantEC (mS/cm) Height Growth Index Flower Quality pH (Pour thru) (cm) (H +D1 + D2)/3 Count (5 > 1) Treatment 7 DAP 21 DAP 7 DAP 21 DAP 5 WAP 5 WAP5 WAP 5 WAP Standard 5.7 5.9 2.8 2.0 14.1 17.8 3.3 3.6 (0.04) (0.09)(0.4) (0.3) (1.2) (0.7) (0.9) (0.5) 15 grams 5.2 5.7 9.3 3.4 13.6 16.53.8 3.5 (0.07) (0.09) (1.0) (0.6) (1.6) (2.4) (0.5) (1.1) 30 grams 5.25.5 12.5 8.0 11.9 14.4 2.9 2.8 (0.12) (0.07) (2.8) (1.2) (2.3) (3.6)(0.6) (0.9) 60 grams 5.0 5.4 15.8 12.6 11.4 14.1 2.9 2.3 (0.15) (0.05)(1.9) (2.4 (1.9) (2.5) (0.8) (0.5)

B. Example 2

Impatiens were grown in ten different growing systems, none of whichcontained a CRF, but contained, in some cases, the moisture controlagents listed below:

-   -   (a) Manitoba Peat;    -   (b) Manitoba Peat and X6 wetting agent (1200 ppm);    -   (c) Fafard Growing Mix F-15 and X6 wetting agent (1200 ppm);    -   (d) Fafard Growing Mix F-15 and Zeba® (2 lbs./yd³);    -   (e) Fafard Growing Mix F-15 and Stockosorb® (2 lbs./yd³);    -   (f) Fafard Growing Mix F-15, Stockosorb® (2 lbs./yd³), and Aq200        wetting agent (1200 ppm);    -   (g) Fafard Growing Mix F-15 and Stepsperse® (0.5% by wt.);    -   (h) Fafard Growing Mix F-15 and Stepsperse® (1% by wt.);    -   (i) Fafard Growing Mix F-15 and Zaplock® (1 lb./yd³); and    -   (j) Fafard Growing Mix F-15 and Zaplock® (2 lbs./yd³).

The plants were grown as 288 cell-pack plugs in eight replications understandard greenhouse conditions. The plants were subsequentlytransplanted into 4 and 8 inch pots and the 8 inch pot data is presentedin this example. Each plant received liquid fertilization (constantliquid feed; no clear water) three times per week at a rate of 200 ppmnitrogen. After an 11 day period over which one set of plants was keptwatered using constant liquid feed and another set of plants was allowedto dry down, those plants containing the Stockosorb® treatment (i.e., eand f) showed the least variance in percent wilt between watered anddry-down, as shown in FIG. 6. This demonstrates that the Stockosorb®treatment resulted in the best water retention. The same plantsexhibited the least variance in visual quality at wilt between wateredand dry-down, as shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 8 shows a side-by-side comparisonbetween impatiens grown in the various media described above. The plantsin the lower row are verbena.

C. Example 3

Petunia plants were grown in 4 inch pots containing Fafard Growing MixF-15, 10 grams of 8-9 M Osmocote® Pro (17-5-11), and 2 grams Stockosorb®under standard greenhouse conditions. One week prior to the plantsfilling the pot and being retail ready for commercial sale, the plantswere treated with Heritage® and Subdue® fungicides and Flagship®insecticide. The plants were treated with a drench containing Heritage®0.5 oz./100 gal.; Subdue® 1.0 oz./100 gal.; and Flagship® 4 oz./100 gal.FIG. 9 shows a higher rate of disease pressure on the untreated controlsthan the plants grown using the growing systems according to theembodiments of the present invention.

D. Example 4

Petunia plants were grown in 6 inch pots containing Fafard Growing MixF-15; 15, 30 or 60 grams of 5-6 M Osmocote® Plus (15-9-12); and 1 gramStockosorb® under standard greenhouse conditions. One week prior to theplants filling the pot and being retail ready for commercial sale, theplants were treated with Heritage® and Subdue® fungicides and Flagship®insecticide. The plants were treated with a drench containing Heritage®0.5 oz./100 gal.; Subdue® 1.0 oz./100 gal.; and Flagship° 4 oz./100 gal.FIG. 10 shows inferior garden performance of untreated controls(Standard) than for plants grown using the growing systems of theembodiments of the invention (Growing System+15 g CRF, 30 g CRF and 60 gCRF) after 12 weeks in the garden. Also, Impatiens plants were grown in4 inch pots containing Fafard Growing Mix F-15, 10 grams of 8-9 MOsmocote® Pro (17-5-11), and 2 grams Stockosorb® under standardgreenhouse conditions. One week prior to the plants filling the pot andbeing retail ready for commercial sale, the plants were treated withHeritage® and Subdue® fungicides and Flagship® insecticide. The plantswere treated with a drench containing Heritage° 0.5 oz./100 gal.;Subdue° 1.0 oz./100 gal.; and Flagship® 4 oz./100 gal. FIG. 11 showsinferior garden performance of untreated controls (Standard) than forplants grown using the growing systems according to the embodiments ofthe present invention after 14 weeks in the garden.

E. Example 5

The plant growing system of the embodiments of the present inventionpermits not only the production of healthy, commercial salable plants,but also plants that are better able to tolerate drought stress. Thebenefits of drought protection can be further increased by incorporatinga moisture control agent.

Accent premium white impatiens were all grown in a plant growing systemcontaining Fafard Growing Mix F-15, 1.5 and five different fertilitytreatments. The standard treatment involved adding liquid fertilization(constant liquid feed; no clear water) three times per week at a rate of150 ppm nitrogen. The other four treatments involved the use of 15grams, 30 grams or 60 grams of 5-6 M Osmocote Plus (15-9-12)controlled-release fertilizer per 1.3 L pot, and 5 grams of 5-6 MOsmocote Plus (15-9-12)+20 grams of 3-4 M Osmocote Mini (19-6-10)controlled-release fertilizer per 1.3 L pot. The plants were grown in50, 72 or 288 cell-pack plugs in six replications under standardgreenhouse conditions. When plants reached pot fill, they were heavilywatered and did not receive any additional watering. The plants werescored daily and days to 75% wilt were recorded. FIG. 12 shows plantsproduced using the growing system show a dramatic improvement in droughttolerance.

Accent premium white impatiens were all grown in a plant growing systemcontaining Fafard Growing Mix F-15 and three different fertilitytreatments. The standard treatment involved adding liquid fertilization(constant liquid feed; no clear water) three times per week at a rate of150 ppm nitrogen. The other two treatments involved the use of 15 gramsof 5-6 M Osmocote Plus (15-9-12) controlled-release fertilizer per 1.3 Lpot, and 5 grams of 5-6 M Osmocote Plus (15-9-12)+20 grams of 3-4 MOsmocote Mini (19-6-10) controlled-release fertilizer per 1.3 L pot. Inaddition to non-amended control and Stockosorb at 1.5 mg per pot;Active, SYT1 (guar gum 1) at 1 gram per pot, Active, SYT2 (guar gum 2)at 1 gram per pot, Active, SYT3 (guar gum 3) at 1 gram per pot, Active,SYT4 (APG) at 0.2% solution per pot were incorporated into the media.The plants were grown in 72 cell-pack plugs in eight replications understandard greenhouse conditions. When plants reached pot fill, they wereheavily watered and did not receive any additional watering. The plantswere scored daily and days to 75% wilt were recorded. FIG. 13 showsplants produced using the growing system that includes SYT3 furtherincreased protection from drought stress.

F. Example 6

To assess the ability of the growing system to sustain plant life in ahanging basket, fully formed, showcase hanging baskets were grown usingthe growing system, described herein to grow Calliope Dark Red Geranium.The plant growing system used in this experiment comprised 2.5 grams of5-6 M Osmocote Plus (15-9-12)+15 grams of 3-4 M Osmocote Mini (19-6-10)and further amended with fungicide and insecticide drenches(azoxystrobin, mefenoxam, and thiamethoxam). The results of this studyare summarized in FIGS. 15-16. As demonstrated in FIGS. 15 and 16, theplant growing system of the present invention delivering unsurpassedconsumer season-long garden performance (sustained growth, healthyfoliage, abundant flowers) over an eight week period when compared toGeranium using conventional liquid feed.

All references cited herein are incorporated by reference in theirentireties.

1-27. (canceled)
 28. A plant growing system comprising (a) plant life;(b) a super amount of a controlled-release fertilizer; and (c) growingmedia, wherein said super amount of controlled-release fertilizer isabout 1.5-9 grams of nitrogen per plant and wherein saidcontrolled-release fertilizer releases nutrients over 3-4 months, 5-6months, or 8-9 months.
 29. The plant growing system of claim 28, whereinsaid plant growing system sustains growth and production of said plantlife for at least 12 weeks.
 30. The plant growing system of claim 29,wherein said plant growing system sustains growth and production of saidplant life for at least 12-16 weeks.
 31. The plant growing system ofclaim 28, wherein said plant growing system sustains growth andproduction of said plant life planted and grown in the ground for atleast 10-16 weeks.
 32. The plant growing system of claim 28, whereinsaid plant growing system sustains growth and production of said plantlife growing in suspension or hanging for at least 6-14 weeks.
 33. Theplant growing system of claim 28, wherein the plant life is a plant,plant cutting, young plant or seed.
 34. The plant growing system ofclaim 28, wherein the plant has superior genetics that enhance yield,aesthetics, and garden performance.
 35. The plant growing system ofclaim 28, wherein said system further comprises a moisture controlagent.
 36. The plant growing system of claim 28, wherein said systemfurther comprises a plant protection agent.
 37. The plant growing systemof claim 28, wherein the growing media comprises peat, perlite, wheatstraw, biodigester remains, bark, coir, or combinations thereof.
 38. Theplant growing system of claim 28, wherein the system is contained in abiodegradable pot or container.
 39. A plant growing system comprising(a) plant life; (b) a super amount of a controlled-release fertilizer;and (c) growing media, wherein said super amount of controlled-releasefertilizer is a combination of controlled-release fertilizers and totalsabout 1.5-9 grams of nitrogen per plant, wherein said super amount ofwherein said controlled-release fertilizer releases nutrients over 3-4months, 5-6 months, or 8-9 months, and wherein said plant growing systemhas a lower electrical conductivity (EC) when compared to a plantgrowing system where the controlled-release fertilizers are assessedindividually.
 40. The plant growing system of claim 39, wherein thesuper amount of controlled-release fertilizer is 15 grams of 5-6 MOsmocote Plus (15-9-12); 30 grams of 5-6 M Osmocote Plus (15-9-12); 60grams of 5-6 M Osmocote Plus (15-9-12); 5 grams of 5-6 M Osmocote Plus(15-9-12)+20 grams of 3-4 M Osmocote Mini (19-6-10); 2.5 grams of 5-6 MOsmocote Plus (15-9-12)+15 grams of 3-4 M Osmocote Mini (19-6-10); or 30grams of 8-9 M Osmocote Plus (15-9-12).
 41. The plant growing system ofclaim 39, wherein the plant life is a plant, plant cutting, young plantor seed.
 42. The plant growing system of claim 39, wherein the plant hassuperior genetics that enhance yield, aesthetics, and gardenperformance.
 43. The plant growing system of claim 39, wherein saidsystem further comprises a moisture control agent.
 44. The plant growingsystem of claim 39, wherein said system further comprises a plantprotection agent.
 45. The plant growing system of claim 39, wherein thegrowing media comprises peat, perlite, wheat straw, biodigester remains,bark, coir, or combinations thereof.
 46. The plant growing system ofclaim 39, wherein the system is contained in a biodegradable pot orcontainer.
 47. The plant growing system of claim 39, wherein the superamount of a controlled-release fertilizer is in the form of fertilizersticks.
 48. The plant growing system of claim 39, wherein a super amountof a controlled-release fertilizer is a combination ofcontrolled-release fertilizers.
 49. A plant growing system comprising(a) plant life; (b) a super amount of a controlled-release fertilizer;and (c) growing media, wherein said controlled-release fertilizerreleases nutrients over 3-4 months, 5-6 months, or 8-9 months, andwherein the plant growing system has an electrical conductivity (EC) ofabout 7 mS/cm to about 18 mS/cm determined using the PourThru method.50. The plant growing system of claim 49, wherein the plant life is aplant, plant cutting, young plant or seed.
 51. The plant growing systemof claim 49, wherein the plant has superior genetics that enhance yield,aesthetics, and garden performance.
 52. The plant growing system ofclaim 49, wherein said system further comprises a moisture controlagent.
 53. The plant growing system of claim 49, wherein said systemfurther comprises a plant protection agent.
 54. The plant growing systemof claim 49, wherein the growing media comprises peat, perlite, wheatstraw, biodigester remains, bark, coir, or combinations thereof.
 55. Theplant growing system of claim 49, wherein the system is contained in abiodegradable pot or container.